Bonaparte Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season due to winter conditions. Typically operates seasonally from late spring through fall. Reservations available through Recreation.gov, with some first-come, first-served sites also available when open.
Air Stagnation Advisory issued December 29 at 11:45AM PST until January 1 at 12:00PM PST by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Stagnant conditions will have potential to trap pollutants near the ground with deteriorated air quality. * WHERE...Portions of North and North Central Idaho and North Central, Northeast, and Southeast Washington. * WHEN...Until noon PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Periods of air stagnation can lead to the buildup of pollutants near the surface.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Snow Peak and Katy Creek Fires - Area Closure Terminated
The Area Closure for the Katy Creek and Snow Peak Fire have been terminated as of October 17, 2025.
Termination Sept. 27, 2025 - Public Use Restrictions Stage 1
Public Use Restrictions Stage 1 ends on Saturday 27, 2025.
Occupancy and Use / Camping Restrictions Order: 06-21-00-25-01
Prohibits camping and/or long term occupancy by any person or group, within the boundaries of National Forest System lands administered by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the Colville National Forest, for more than 14 consecutive days in one location and more than 28 calendar days annu
Food Storage Order: 06-21-00-21-02
The goal of this special order is to minimize the potential for bears and other wildlife to access human foods. Animals that have repeatedly obtained unsecured human foods can learn to associate the presence of humans with a food reward and begin to lose their natural fear of man.
Aquatic Invasive Species Order: 06-00-00-21-01
This order prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species on the national Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region.
About
Bonaparte Lake Campground is located on the southern edge of Bonaparte Lake in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, set within a mixed ponderosa pine and Douglas fir conifer forest at 3,600 feet elevation. The campground features 27 campsites including 2 triple sites, 7 double sites, 14 single sites, 3 walk-in tent sites, and 1 group site with a shelter. Bonaparte Lake is home to multiple waterfowl species including the rare northern loon, and the surrounding area supports mule deer, elk, moose, and occasional black bears. Fishing is a premier activity with anglers pursuing rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout from boats or the wheelchair-accessible fishing dock. The campground includes a boat launch for easy lake access. Kayaking, canoeing, and swimming are popular summer activities. The Pipsissewa Trail, accessed from the southern loop, offers a two-mile hike to Pipsissewa Point with views of the lake, and continues another five miles to the Bonaparte Mountain Fire Lookout. Bonaparte, Spur, and Cumberland Mountains surround the lake, providing scenic vistas throughout the area. The campground is equipped with picnic tables and campfire grills at each site, with some sites featuring tent pads. Drinking water is available from faucets, and both vault and flush toilets serve the facility. The group site includes drinking water, picnic tables, campfire grills, a community fire pit, RV/camper parking, and tent sites. A seasonal camp host is on-site during operating season. Additional nearby attractions include Lost Lake Campground (10 miles), and Beaver Lake and Beth Lake Campgrounds (7 miles).
Directions
From Tonasket, take State Route 20 East for 24 miles. Turn left onto the Bonaparte Recreation Area turnoff (Okanogan County Road 4953). Continue on County Road 4953 for approximately 6 miles to the Bonaparte Lake Campground entrance on the left.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $40 - $125 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 48ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 48ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| ejpeterson@fs.fed.us | |
| Phone | +1 (509) 486-2186 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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